Neighbours in call for Berry Brow wall repairs after man falls 10ft

KIRKLEES Council says it is waiting to start work on a damaged wall which was the scene of a late night accident.

Neighbours raise concerns about scene of accident which was awaiting repair

KIRKLEES Council says it is waiting to start work on a damaged wall which was the scene of a late night accident.

But Berry Brow residents say the damaged wall has been a danger for months.

As reported in the Examiner, fire crews were called to rescue a man who had fallen through a break in the wall at the junction of Woodhead Road and Carriage Drive.

The crews were called shortly after 5am on Saturday morning and found the man had not only fallen through a gap in the wall, which had been there for some time, but had fallen around three metres down to an embankment on the other side.

Fire officers said he appeared to have broken some ribs but that he was also extremely lucky to have landed on a discarded mattress, which had been partly covered by undergrowth.

The man was able to use his mobile phone to raise the alarm.

Kirklees Council claim temporary barriers covering the breach in the wall had been tampered with.

People living near the site of the accident, however, say the broken wall has been a danger for months on end.

Naomi Pinkney said: “The wall has been in that condition since the beginning of March.

“Once my little son William was on his bike and he hit a sandbag at the bottom of the barriers, he had a real wobble and could have gone through the gap.

“Luckily he stayed on the pavement.

“People came on the Thursday or Friday before the accident and put a bit of warning tape up, but it still doesn’t protect anyone.

“Lots or people living here have commented on how dangerous it is. That area of Carriage Drive is very well used.

“It’s a route to Honley woods and it’s popular with a lot of dog walkers who are up early when the light may not be so good.’’

A spokeswoman for the council said: “The wall is owned by the council and we are currently waiting confirmation of a start date for the repair work.

“We have had reports that the temporary barriers have been vandalised and these will be reinstated as soon as possible.”

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